Number of views:

The Velaslavasay Panorama 2014

Here I am, in the street (watching for cars!) in front of The Velaslavasay Panorama in Los Angeles. It's an exhibition hall, theatre and garden dedicated to the production and presentation of unusual visual experiences. It is totally unique and a treasure! I didn't want to leave. You must visit it if at all possible. One of the crankies I performed was "The Scotia" the story of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition of 1902-1904.

Ruby Carlson from the Velaslavasay adapted this 19th Century moving panorama broadside to advertise the crankie show.

In the spirit of 19th Century moving panorama shows, there were souvenirs! Guests could choose from a folk art yo yo pin or a miniature, match box crankie made by me!

Here I am, saying a few words before I get behind the crankie. Many thanks to the the volunteers who helped with the narration of the stories accompanying the crankies. They were wonderful and the audience was wonderful. A good many artists attended and had lots of questions about the process of making a crankie.

After the performance it was dinner time! A five course French dinner was served in the magical courtyard gardens. Lots of good talk and good cheer!

The hard-working chefs taking a well-deserved break in the garden.

Sue Truman and Erkki Huhtamo. A rare opportunity for me to visit with one of the world's leading experts on moving panoramas. I tried not to ask too many questions!

One of the reasons I traveled to LA was to see the 360 degree panorama on display at the Velaslavasay, Effulgence of the North. It was painted by artist and visionary Sara Velas. The exhibit has sound effects, lighting effects and faux ice berg sculptures. It was worth the trip, I loved it and was inspired and moved. I have posted a video of this on the Polar Panoramas page of this website.

Another reason I traveled to the Velaslavasay, was to see the LARGE moving panorama, The Grand Moving Mirror of California. As you can see, it takes up the whole stage. To learn more about this, go to the Grand Moving Mirror page on this website, under Moving Panoramas.

Last but not least, I visited Nova Tuskhut, an Arctic Trading Post complete with polar artifacts, including snowshoes from the Peary Expedition and the flying goggles of an Arctic Bush-Pilot.
In addition, in the Lobby area was the exhibit Nancy Columbia and the Arctic Beyond. Fabulous. Go to the website to learn more www.panoramonview.org

Last, but not least, I want to thank Sara Velas, Director of the Velaslavasay Panorama, for making this evening possible. It is a treasured memory. To learn more
about the Velaslavasay Panorama, check out their websitewww.panoramaonview.org